How to Clean a Workstation Sink: Ledges, Grids and Accessories

Nov 03, 2026by lefton sanitary

To clean a workstation sink, lift out the removable accessories, clear away food scraps, and clean the exposed ledges and bowl before putting everything back. Wash each accessory according to its material and care instructions. Finish by checking the underside of trays, the contact points on any grid, and the spaces normally hidden by the cutting board.

Clean the sink as separate parts so you can reach the spaces they normally cover.

Identify the Parts in Your Sink

The Lefton KS2207L-PRO shown here has an integrated ledge that supports a drain basket, metal tray, and double-sided cutting board. Lift out the removable accessories before cleaning the bowl and ledges, then clean each piece according to its care instructions. Wipe the control panel separately with a soft, damp cloth.

Start with the pieces actually installed in your kitchen. The grid-cleaning guidance below applies only if a bottom grid is fitted. A bottom grid sits inside the bowl, while an accessory tray or basket rests higher up.

Part	Areas to include	Before putting it back
Bowl and workstation ledges	Corners, horizontal ledges, and the strip beneath each accessory	Check that the full ledge is clear
Metal tray or drain basket	Both faces, edges, handles, and drainage openings	Look underneath, not only into the tray
Bottom grid, if fitted	Wire intersections, perimeter, and contact points beneath the feet	Check that the feet are intact and seated
Wood cutting board	Both faces, edges, and any groove	Allow it to dry fully
Removable strainer basket	Interior, underside, and openings	Confirm it sits correctly in its original position
Faucet and control panel	Accessible exterior surfaces	Keep cleaning methods appropriate to each finish

Set Up Before You Start

Clear a space for accessories and have clean soft cloths ready, including a separate one for drying.

Lefton's care guidance calls for warm, soapy water on stainless steel sinks, followed by rinsing and wiping with a soft cloth. It excludes abrasive cleaners, sanding tools, steel wool, and bleaching products. Faucet care is different: use clean water and a soft cloth, without soap, acids, polish, or harsh cleaners.

Choose cleaning supplies by component. A product you use on a countertop is not automatically appropriate for the adjacent sink finish or faucet.

1. Remove Accessories and Collect Food Scraps

Lift the cutting board, tray, and basket away from the ledges. If your sink has a bottom grid, remove it too. Put knives and other sharp utensils somewhere secure before reaching into the bowl.

Collect loose scraps for the trash or compost as appropriate. Empty a removable strainer basket, keeping its small parts together. Only lift out pieces designed for routine removal; leave fixed drain fittings, control connections, and plumbing in place.

With the bowl empty, look at the areas the accessories covered. This is the moment to notice a trapped scrap, a loose grid foot, or residue along the back edge of a tray.

2. Clean the Workstation Sink Ledges

Work around the exposed ledges before moving down into the bowl. Fold the cloth into a small pad so you can reach each horizontal surface and its inside corner. Follow the sink-cleaning method above, paying attention to the places where accessories rest.

Move around the perimeter in one direction so you do not skip a section. Turn to a clean area of the cloth as it picks up residue. If a mark remains, inspect it before applying more pressure; a scratch or damaged finish will not wipe away like food debris.

Clean the bowl and accessible drain surround next. Keep the removed accessories aside until you have finished, so they do not cover the surfaces you still need to reach.

3. Clean the Sink Grid, Tray and Basket

For a grid, start by checking its own care instructions, including any coating and feet. Hold it securely while cleaning one face, then turn it over. Work around the perimeter and individual intersections instead of passing a cloth only across the top.

Pay particular attention to the areas where the feet meet the grid. Do not pull off feet or bumpers unless the accessory instructions identify them as removable. Check for missing or damaged pieces before returning the grid to the bowl.

Use the same inspection pattern for a tray or drain basket: inside, outside, edges, and underside. Look through drainage openings from both sides. A tray that looks clear from above can still need attention underneath.

Use the accessory manufacturer's approved washing method and let cleaned pieces drain separately.

4. Wash and Dry the Cutting Board Separately

For a wood board, hand-wash with warm water and dish soap, rinse, and towel-dry promptly. Avoid leaving it soaking while you clean the rest of the sink. Let it finish drying upright or on a rack with air reaching both faces. These general wood-care practices are supported by the University of Maine's cutting-board guide; follow any additional instructions supplied with your board.

Do not return a wet board to the ledges simply to clear the countertop. Keep it in its drying position until ready. If deep grooves or cracks prevent effective cleaning, replace the board.

For raw meat preparation, use a separate board from the one used for ready-to-eat foods. Wash first, then follow the board maker's directions when sanitizing food-contact surfaces.

5. Wipe the Faucet Area and Reassemble

On the KS2207L-PRO, Lefton specifies a soft, damp cloth for the control panel and advises against directly spraying it or rinsing it with large amounts of water. Keep the bowl-cleaning spray directed into the bowl, away from the panel.

Replace the removable strainer and any grid in their intended positions. Return trays and baskets, checking that each rests securely before loading it.

If a piece rocks, catches, or no longer sits correctly, stop and check its orientation and contact points. Do not force it into place.

Are Workstation Sink Accessories Dishwasher Safe?

Only put an accessory in the dishwasher when its manufacturer explicitly permits it. The word “metal,” a removable design, or a size that fits the dishwasher does not establish compatibility.

Check the exact item, including its finish, feet, handles, and any other attached parts. If the instructions do not answer the question, hand-wash and ask for clarification. For Lefton accessories, provide the sink model and a photo of the piece so support can identify it. You can find the model documents in the Lefton manual and video library.

A Checklist for Your Next Cleanup

Lift out the accessories before cleaning the bowl.
Clear the ledges and the places beneath each piece.
Inspect both sides of the grid, basket, and tray.
Empty and clean the removable strainer basket.
Leave the cutting board where both sides can dry.
Check the supports and seating as you put parts back.

For a persistent mark or an accessory you cannot identify, contact Lefton with your model number and a clear photo before changing cleaning products.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean a workstation sink?

Clean up after food preparation and check beneath the accessories during that routine. Adjust the amount of work to what you used: an unused tray may need inspection, while a basket used for food needs cleaning.

How do I clean workstation sink ledges without scratching them?

Remove the accessories to reach the full ledge, use the sink's approved method, and avoid scraping with knives or metal tools. Stop if a mark will not lift with normal cleaning.

Should I remove a sink grid every time I clean?

Lift it out when cleaning the bowl beneath it. Leaving it in place prevents you from reaching its underside and the points where its feet contact the sink.

Can the wood cutting board go in the dishwasher?

Hand-wash unless the board's own instructions explicitly allow machine washing. Wood construction and care requirements vary; a general statement about wood does not confirm your particular board's compatibility.